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Beginnings
In 2005, Jason started learning the basics of how to be a Drum Major from Sheryl Dostie, a top level amateur competitor. After her retirement from competition and the Mohawk Valley Frasers, Jason took her place until 2007 when he stepped aside and turned over the position to Jim Engle. In this time, Jason took lessons with Billy Jordan from Scotland and began to compete. Competition Moving quickly from amateur to the open grade, Jason won many competitions and honed his skills to the point where he could compete overseas. In 2011, Jason competed favorably at North Berwick and the World Pipe Band Championships and won Bridge of Allen. In 2013, Jason also competed at the 150th Victoria Highland Games and again at the World Championships. Jason has continued to successfully compete in the EUSPBA while watching his students move up through the ranks and become open competitors themselves. Jason continues to compete favorably in EUSPBA competitions and is currently seeking appointment to become a Drum Major adjudicator with the association. Bands Since learning the skills of being a Drum Major, Jason always been a Drum Major with the Mohawk Valley Frasers at some highland games and performances where he works with Jim Engle to determine what is best for the band. In 2012, Jason joined the New York Metro Pipe Band out of New York City as their Drum Major where he led the band for several events before leaving in 2015. In 2020, Jason became the Drum Major of the Nashville Pipes and Drums, a position he resigned from in 2024. Performances With the Mohawk Valley Frasers, Jason frequently performs at different venues with the band. Being a member of New York Metro, Jason performed at the Pipes of Peace concert in Glasgow, Scotland in 2103. Also in 2013, Jason had the pleasure of being the first performing North American in the International Drum Major Display Team, an accomplishment that was only matched by his students in 2018. Some Notable Accomplishments North American Champion, 2010, 2012 East Coast (EUSPBA) Champion Supreme 2010-2019, 2021 Celtic Classic Invitational Champion, 2009-2015, 2017-2019, 2023 Bridge of Allan Highland Games, 2011 New York State Champion, 2009-2019 New England Champion, 2012-2017, 2019 Individual Instruction Whether if it’s the competition Drum Major or the Drum Major who wants to better their skills in front of their band, Jason offers instruction on many levels to fit your needs and wishes. Following the standards set by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association in addition to other manuals and experience, Jason works with the student to create an individualized course of study encompassing many aspects of being a Scottish Drum Major, including marching, deportment, dress and flourishing on many levels and more. Lessons times and locations are very flexible. Workshops & Adjudicating Jason also offers Drum Major and drill/deportment workshops for pipe bands across the eastern United States. In 2015, Jason was asked to adjudicate the Drum Major competition and lead massed bands at the Celtic Classic in Bethlehem, PA. Before relocating to Tennessee, Jason lead massed bands as Senior Drum Major at the Finger Lakes Celtic Fest, and the Glasgowlands Highland Games in Massachusetts. In 2023, Jason was asked to adjudicate and lead the massed bands at the Dunedin Highland Games in Florida. Also in 2023, he lead massed bands at the Chicago and Middle Tennessee Highland Games. Recently, he has worked to bring more instruction to the southeastern USA by seeking an appointment as a Drum Major adjudicator within EUSPBA. |